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Mental health in workplace could result in $17 billion in lost productivity over 10 years, says report

Written by Radhika PanjwaniPublished in the Brampton Guardian

A report by CivicAction, a non-partisan group from Toronto comprised of senior executives and community and corporate leaders, reveals some 1.5 million employees working in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s (GTHA) have experienced mental health issues.

The report, released Monday, warns that, if ignored, poor mental health could result in some $17 billion in lost productivity over the next 10 years.

Income inequality, job insecurity, racial discrimination and housing affordability are cited as some of the reasons contributing to a decline in employees’ mental health.

“One of the things that stood out for me was the sheer number of people that have had mental health issues,” said Jaipaul Massey-Singh, executive director, Wise Elephant Family Health Team in Brampton and one of 30 members of the CivicAction champion council. “When it comes to mental health, because there’s so much existing stigma, I don’t think one really realizes how many people they’re in contact with on a daily basis that have a mental health issue and need help.”